Retro Clermont Shirt – Auvergne's Ligue 1 Underdogs

The story of Clermont Foot 63 is rooted in determination rather than silverware. Founded in 1911, the club spent the majority of its existence bouncing between the lower tiers of French football, never quite breaking through to the elite level that its most ambitious supporters dreamed of. For much of the twentieth century, Clermont-Ferrand's footballing identity was defined more by struggle than triumph – the club operated with modest budgets, limited facilities, and little national attention.

The modern era of the club truly began to take shape in the 2000s and 2010s when Clermont began consolidating their position in Ligue 2, France's second division. Under thoughtful management and with a clear club philosophy that prioritised smart recruitment and cohesive team building over expensive signings, they became a genuine force at that level. Season after season they threatened promotion but fell just short, building a reputation as one of the more competitive sides outside the top flight.

The 2020-21 season proved to be the club's defining chapter. Under manager Pascal Gastien, who has been central to the club's identity and growth, Clermont put together a remarkable campaign in Ligue 2, finishing in an automatic promotion spot and sealing their historic first-ever appearance in Ligue 1. The achievement was made all the more special given the club's limited resources compared to most of their rivals.

Their debut Ligue 1 season in 2021-22 exceeded expectations, with Clermont avoiding immediate relegation and proving they belonged at the top table of French football, even if only briefly. They faced the giants – Paris Saint-Germain with Messi, Neymar and Mbappé, Lyon, Marseille – and competed with dignity and organisation. The rivalry with nearby Ligue 1 sides gave local derbies a new electricity. Ultimately, after two seasons in the top flight, they were relegated in 2023, but the legacy of those seasons lives on in the hearts of supporters and in the shirts they wore.

For a club of Clermont's size, producing and attracting notable players has always been a challenge, yet several individuals have left a lasting mark on the club's history and culture.

Pascal Gastien deserves special mention – not as a player but as the manager who transformed Clermont into a Ligue 1 side. His calm, methodical approach and loyalty to the club across many years made him almost as celebrated as any player to wear the shirt.

Mohamed Bayo emerged as one of Clermont's most exciting forwards during the promotion era and their Ligue 1 campaigns. The Guinea international striker showed sharp instincts and an eye for goal that attracted attention from bigger clubs, making him arguably the most recognisable player of the club's modern golden period.

Jim Allevinah, the Guadeloupe-born winger, became a fan favourite for his directness and energy down the flanks during their top-flight seasons, epitomising the work-rate and collective spirit that defined Gastien's teams.

Ahmed Mogane, Yannis Ndombia, and goalkeeper Arthur Desmas were all integral figures during the historic promotion push, each contributing in their way to the club's greatest achievement. These are not household names across Europe, but in Clermont-Ferrand they are celebrated as the architects of a footballing miracle that locals will recount for generations.

The Clermont Foot 63 kit has always reflected the club's identity through its bold use of orange and blue – an instantly recognisable combination that sets them apart on the pitch and in the stands. While the club's lower-division years meant their kits received little national exposure, the shirts from their Ligue 1 era have become genuinely collectable items for fans of French football and lovers of the underdog story.

The promotion-era kits from 2020-21 are particularly sought after, carrying the emotional weight of that historic season. Clean designs with strong orange tones and blue detailing became the visual symbol of an unforgettable campaign. Their Ligue 1 debut shirts from 2021-22 – featuring the iconic Ligue 1 branding for the first time on a Clermont shirt – are considered the most significant in the club's history from a collector's perspective.

A retro Clermont shirt is not just a football garment; it is a document of a club defying the odds. The combination of orange and blue in classic cuts from their breakthrough seasons makes for striking display pieces, and with only 3 retro Clermont shirts available in our shop, availability is genuinely limited.